Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen has resigned from the company following a board investigation of his personal conduct that, while unrelated to the business, was inconsistent with Kroger's policy on business ethics. The board has appointed Lead Director Ronald Sargent to serve as chairman of the board of directors and interim CEO, effective immediately. The board also announced that Mark Sutton will serve as Kroger's lead independent director, also effective immediately.

On Feb. 21, the board was made aware of certain personal conduct by McMullen and immediately retained outside

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on three produce businesses in Florida for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. 

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• The

The Produce Distributors Association, which advocates for the interests of wholesale produce receivers nationwide, will host the 26th annual Pete Class Memorial Golf Tournament on Tuesday, May 13, at Ballyowen Golf Club’s links course in Sussex County, NJ.

The tournament brings together PDA members and sponsors for golf and the promotion of goodwill in the produce industry while honoring the iconic former CEO of the Class Produce Group. Players are treated to 18 holes on Golfweek’s No. 1-rated public course in New Jersey and a day of relaxed business connections at the premier Crystal Springs

From what started as a regional project in 2023, Meijer has expanded its seed donation program across its six-state footprint, reaching more communities in need. The evolution of this project has streamlined operations, moving from individual store requests to a structured approach involving major seed companies. Organizations like Greater Lansing Food Bank continue to lead the charge in providing resources to families across the Midwest. 

"The seed donations from Meijer have enabled us to serve over 800 unique individuals per season," said Mike Tosto, GLFB’s garden project resource

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Marchella of NY Inc. in Oceanside, NY, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operator of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

Marchella of NY Inc. failed to pay $188,706 to four sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from November 2021 to September 2022. This is in violation of the PACA. Marchella of NY Inc. cannot operate in the

Publix has surpassed 1 billion pounds of food donated since 2009. The milestone was shared at the company’s Hunger Summit. The event brought together Publix leaders and Feeding America partner food bank representatives from across the Southeast to collaborate on ways to get food into the hands of people who need it the most.

“I’m proud of our associates who have helped donate over 1 billion pounds of food to individuals and families in our communities experiencing food insecurity,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “Collaborating with Feeding America food bank partners at our Publix Hunger Summit